Thursday, June 28, 2012

Some days ago, 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs released an outstanding set of 23 stunning air-to-air shots, featuring three A-10Cs on Razorback Range located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark., June 4, 2012. Let me present at least some of these pictures, all taken by MSgt. Ben Bloker.

On their Facebook page, I asked 188th FW PA: What type of "chasing" aircraft did Ben use to take all of these awesome shots? 188th FW PA answered: It was an F-16D from the 138th Fighter Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, based in Tulsa.

BTW: According to a reply to another visitor, these images were captured with a Nikon D3.

Please note: Pictured in the very first two shots are A-10Cs 216 (?) and 638. Pictured in all of the remaining 21 shots is A-10C 79-0129, piloted by Lt. Col. Brian Burger.

Lt. Col. Chris Beckman, lead aircraft, and Maj. Jeremiah Gentry, both A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots from the Arkansas Air National Guard's Fort Smith-based 188th Fighter Wing maneuver in formation June 4, 2012, over the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. The 188th hosted a Special Operations Exercise with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) from the 75th Ranger Regiment, UH-60 Black Hawks from the Arkansas Army National Guard's 77th Theater Aviation Brigade and an AC-130U Spooky Gunship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)Hi-res

Lt. Col. Chris Beckman, lead aircraft, and Maj. Jeremiah Gentry, both A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots from the Arkansas Air National Guard's Fort Smith-based 188th Fighter Wing maneuver in formation June 4, 2012, over the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)Hi-res

Lt. Col. Brian Burger, an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot and the 188th Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, fires 30mm rounds from at a target during a training exercise on Razorback Range located at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Ark., June 4, 2012. The 188th, nearing its second deployment to Afghanistan with the A-10, regularly conducts training with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) from different branches of service to sharpen its close air support skills and to conduct efficient training with JTACs. During this exercise, JTACs from the 75th Ranger Regiment provided forward control. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ben Bloker) Hi-res

A four-ship of A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" with the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing perform a missing man formation during a flyover to honor Capt. Virgil Meroney III during a repatriation ceremony held in Fayetteville, Ark., June 9, 2012. Meroney was missing in action during the Vietnam War after being shot down in his F-4D Phantom II aircraft, which crashed while carrying out a nighttime strike mission in Kahammouan Province, Laos. Meroney's remains were identified May 24 and were returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander; Lt. Col. Brian Burger, 188th Operations Group commander; Maj. Justin Lewis; and Capt. Mark Cox performed the flyover. (National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Landeros/188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)Hi-res

6/19/2012 - FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The 188th Fighter Wing conducted a four-ship flyover and performed a missing man formation to honor Capt. Virgil Meroney III during a repatriation ceremony held in Fayetteville, Ark., June 9, 2012. Meroney was missing in action during the Vietnam War after being shot down March 1, 1969, in his F-4D Phantom II aircraft, which crashed while carrying out a nighttime strike mission in Kahammouan Province, Laos.

Nearby U.S. aircrews reported seeing Meroney's aircraft hit by enemy fire. No parachutes were seen after the aircraft was hit. Heavy enemy presence in the area prevented recovery efforts.

Meroney's remains were identified May 24 and were returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Meroney was a native of Fayetteville.

Anderson presented a Unites States flag to the Meroney family June 10, 2012, in Fort Smith, Ark. The flag was flown over Afghanistan during the 188th's last combat deployment to Kandahar in 2010 and was also flown over Meroney's repatriation ceremony in Fayetteville.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

6/10/2012 - A completed mural stands in Camp Cunningham at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, June 10, 2012. The mural was painted by Route 5/6 Noncommissioned Officer Council volunteers to highlight airpower in Afghanistan. All three tiers of the U.S. Air Force Enlisted Corps will paint wall murals, each with a separate Air Force mission theme. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison)Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Torres, 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, crew chief, checks the oil while conducting a post flight check on a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 25th Fighter Squadron, June 18, 2012, during Red Flag-Alaska 12-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, joint/coalition, tactical air combat employment exercise which corresponds to the operational capability of participating units. The entire exercise takes place in the Joint Pacific Range Complex over Alaska as well as a portion of Western Canada for a total airspace of more than 67,000 square miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth)Hi-res

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Torres, 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, crew chief, conducts post flight checks on a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 25th Fighter Squadron, after a combat training mission June 18, 2012, during Red Flag-Alaska 12-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, joint/coalition, tactical air combat employment exercise which corresponds to the operational capability of participating units. The entire exercise takes place in the Joint Pacific Range Complex over Alaska as well as a portion of Western Canada for a total airspace of more than 67,000 square miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth)Hi-res

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs from the 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, conduct post flight checks on a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 25th Fighter Squadron, after a combat training mission June 18, 2012, during Red Flag-Alaska 12-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, joint/coalition, tactical air combat employment exercise which corresponds to the operational capability of participating units. The entire exercise takes place in the Joint Pacific Range Complex over Alaska as well as a portion of Western Canada for a total airspace of more than 67,000 square miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth)Hi-res

A row of A-10 Thunderbolts II sit quietly before the day starts during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, two-week-long exercise that allows joint and coalition partners to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures as well as improve interoperability. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is assigned to the 25 Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)Hi-res

An A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis the runway towards two F-16C Fighting Falcons as aircraft recover from a morning mission during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 11, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A, a two -week-long exercise, focuses on aerial combat training for U.S. and allied forces and is conducted within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, a 67,000 square-mile training range. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is assigned to the 25 Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III)Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0973.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II returns from a mission during RED FLAG-Alaska 12-2 June 5, 2012, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Araos)Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 82-0652. Pilot inscription: CAPT KEVIN ...

BTW: More general info and verified serial numbers will be uploaded immediately.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Released by 127th Wing Public AffairsCapt. Bryan Amara listens to his radio as Capt. William Rundell looks at a compass during search and rescue training while the two pilots were operating at the Amari Air Base in Estonia, June 15, 2012. Amara, a pilot with the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, was receiving training from Rundell, 107th Fighter Squadron, on the techniques used to contact a friendly aircraft in the event a pilot is downed in unfriendly territory. During the training, an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft was flying over the area, communicating with Amara via radio and looking for signals from the ground. In a real rescue situation, the A-10 pilot overhead would have coordinated rescue operations and provided close air support during the rescue, if needed. The 171st and 107th are both components of the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, home-stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton) Hi-res

6/14/2012 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- Two Airmen. One young enough to be my son. Another old enough to be my father.

Make it three Airmen. One in an American uniform - me - and two Estonians.

I was leading a tour at Amari Air Base in Estonia. That's where the Michigan Air National Guard deployed a group of Airmen and several of our aircraft for a couple of weeks to support Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and neighboring Latvia. As part of the partnership building exercise, I was leading tours of our A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for Estonian military personnel.

Before the tour began on the second day, an older man came up to me. He gripped my hand, shook it and held it. He stared straight into my eyes.

"I was forced to retire last month because I am now 70 years old," he said. "But I came back for this day. The U.S. Air Force is on my base. This has been my dream since our independence. This is a great day."

Estonia was part of the Soviet Union for about 50 years after World War II. It was not a happy arrangement, according to the Estonians I talked to during my two weeks in Estonia. The Estonians gained their independence in 1991. Since then, they have been working to build up their Air Force.

The retired Airman was a big part of that effort, I believe. His pride in his country and his Air Force - and his pride in working with my Air Force - made me try to stand a little taller. In a conversation that lasted a mere minute, I knew I was talking with a man who lived through the bad times and worked hard to help create the good times. His patriotism - and his Air Force pride - were obvious. Truth be told, I think I got a bit more emotional about it than he did.

As we finished up the tour - after we visited with the crew chiefs and walked around the aircraft - I was chatting with a couple of the younger Estonian Airmen as we walked back to the operations building.

One asked when I first joined the American military. Hard to believe it was more than a quarter of a century ago, but it was. Dec. 21, 1984, to be exact. I'm guessing that I probably swore in before my young Estonian counterpart was born -- maybe even a few years before. Just a hunch, but a pretty strong one.

"What is the trend in your Air Force?" he asked, as we walked off the flight line. "Is it getting better or getting worse?"

I thought about his question for a moment. And then I thought about the retired Airman, so happy, so proud to shake my hand.

"I think my Air Force is getting better," I said. "When I first joined the Air Force, your country was part of the Soviet Union and our countries were enemies. Today, we are friends."

Young Airmen don't always have the wisdom of old Airmen. But this one did.

Valdis Dombrovskis, prime minister of Latvia, sits at the controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker, June 17, 2012. With the prime minister is Capt. Mark Vaught of the Michigan Air National Guard. The MI-ANG was operating in Latvia and Estonia during Saber Strike 2012, a multinational, tactical field training exercise that involves more than 2,000 personnel from the U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the 4th U.S. Marine Division, the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian armed forces, with contingents from Canada, Finland, France and the U.K. The exercise, led by U.S. Army Europe, is designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army and partner nations, and will help prepare participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)Hi-res
by TSgt. Dan Heaton127th Wing Public Affairs

6/21/2012 - RIGA, Latvia -- Praising the relationship between his nation and the United States, the prime minister of Latvia observed an aerial refueling operation aboard a U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker over the noontime skies of his nation, June 17.

For the Michigan Air National Guard, which operated the aircraft, it was the second time that a Baltic nation head of state had been aboard one of their aircraft in three days.

"It is quite important to have a visible U.S. operation in our region," said Valdis Dombrovskis, who has been prime minister of Latvia since 2009.

Latvia and Michigan have been partners in the U.S. National Guard's State Partnership for Peace program for 20 years. Over the years, Michigan and Latvia have hosted a number of exchange programs and participated in several training exercises together. Latvian combat controllers routinely work closely with Michigan Air National Guard joint terminal attack controllers, known as JTACS, at the Grayling Air Gunnery Ranger in northern Michigan. Latvia has also contributed ground forces to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

This month, the Michigan Air National Guard was partnering with Latvia on two specific projects, working closely together during Saber Strike 2012, a multinational, tactical field training exercise based in Estonia and neighboring Latvia that involved more than 2,000 personnel from a total of eight nations; and working together on conducting a survey and development plan for a military air field in Latvia, using an air field that has had little use since Latvia won its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991.

"Meetings like this, partnerships, are an important part of the development of Latvia," Dombrovskis said while in the cargo section of a KC-135, moments after watching a Michigan Air National Guard A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft received fuel in a mid-air operation.

Two days earlier, the prime minister of Estonia, Andrus Ansip, visited the Michigan Airmen who were operating from Amari Air Base in Estonia. Andrus did not fly, but spoke with the Airmen and was given a briefing on the capabilities of the two types of aircraft.

U.S. Lt. Col. Andrew Roberts, bilateral affairs officer for Latvia, said the Michigan Air National Guard's operations in the Baltics was nothing short of spectacular.
According to Andrews, the operations in Latvia and Estonia had three primary goals:

1. To utilize the U.S. Air Force's largest airlift aircraft, namely C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, to demonstrate the Air Force's ability to transport heavy firepower. The Tennessee Air National Guard airlifted in 4 Pennsylvania Army National Guard Stryker vehicles to Latvia to demonstrate that capacity.

2. To showcase the close air support of the A-10 aircraft, which operated from Estonia and dropped ordnance on the Adzai range in Latvia - while being directed in by Latvian Joint Terminal Attack Controller personnel. "That is exactly the partnership we want to highlight, how we can combine the capabilities and the professional skills of the Air National Guard with the Latvian forces," Roberts said.

3. To demonstrate the global reach of U.S. air power by having aerial refueling tankers bring the A-10s to the Baltics and then be available to extend the flying time of the A-10s in an operational situation.

"The entire operation clearly demonstrated that the partnership that began between Latvia and Michigan 20 years ago has proven to be a strong one and a beneficial one for both sides," Roberts said.

In addition to the Saber Strike operations, a team of about 20 Michigan Airmen were working with the Latvian Air Force on the base site survey plan at Lielvārde Air Base. The air base is operational, but the Latvian prime minister said his countries goal is to work with NATO to best determine what specialty services or operations may be best suited for the base and to develop the base accordingly.
Source

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip shakes hands with Airmen from the Michigan Air National Guard at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 15, 2012. The Airmen were at Amari for Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. Lt. Col. William Henderson is behind the prime minister. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)Full sizeby TSgt. Dan Heaton127th Wing Public Affairs

6/18/2012 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip visited Airmen from the Michigan Air National Guard who were operating fighter and aerial refueling aircraft at the Amari Air Base in Estonia during Saber Strike 2012, an exercise based in Estonia and Latvia aimed at building partnership between the host nations and visiting forces from six different countries. The exercise was coordinated by U.S. Army Europe.

"Saber Strike is an excellent example of stable and ongoing defense co-operation between US and Estonian military forces," said Ansip. "These exercises demonstrate that our US allies support us, and that the Estonian military and civilian organizations are well prepared and fully able to collaborate with them."

During the exercise, U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft utilized a gunnery range in Adzai, Latvia, to simulate supporting a movement of friendly ground troops in the region. American KC-135 Stratotankers were also in the region, providing air-to-air refueling support to the A-10s. Both types of aircraft were flown by the Michigan Air National Guard and were based at Amari in Estonia.

"We very much appreciate the support of Michigan and its Airmen," Ansip said.

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Liggins was among the Michigan Airmen who met the prime minister. Liggins in a boom operator on the KC-135 and provided a short briefing to the prime minister about the capabilities of the aircraft.

"It is just amazing to me to even be here," Liggins said. "When I first joined the Air National Guard in 1987, Estonia was part of the Soviet Union and for us to be here was just unthinkable.

"To see the changes that have taken place in my lifetime - not even that long, just in the course of my career in the Guard - has been awesome," said Liggins. "This makes me believe that the world is becoming a better place."

About 150 Michigan Airmen supported the exercise, part of a contingent of about 2,000 total military forces. The exercise represented the first time that fighter aircraft from the U.S. operated from Estonia, Estonian military officials said.

Estonian Lt. Col. Roman Timofejev talks with U.S. Lt. Col. Robert Seeley on the flight line at the Amari Air Base in Estonia, June 10, 2012. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen deployed to Estonia in mid June 2012 in support of Saber Strike 2012, a multinational exercise based in Latvia and Estonia. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)Hi-res

by TSgt. Dan Heaton127th Wing Public Affairs

6/14/2012 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia --An airfield has come to life.

"With this exercise, life starts at this airfield," said Estonian Air Force Lt. Col. Roman Timofejev, commander of the Amari Air Base in Estonia.

During Saber Strike 2012 a variety of U.S. Air Force aircraft - primarily A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and KC-135s from the Michigan Air National Guard's 127th Wing - have been using the base, along with several helicopters and small fixed-wing aircraft operated by the Estonian Air Force. The exercise, which took place over a two-week period in June, featured about 2,000 total military personnel from eight different nations operating from a variety of locations, primarily in Estonia and neighboring Latvia. The Michigan Air National Guard located about 150 personnel and a half-dozen aircraft at Amari.

"Life starts at this airfield now with this major deployment," Timofejev said. "Each aircraft that came in here was the largest ever at this base, first C-130, then the tanker (KC-135) and of course the C-17."

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed at Amari during the exercise to provide logistical support to the air operations at the base.

The Michigan A-10s are not only the first A-10s to land at Amari, but are the first operational fighter aircraft from a NATO country, Timofejev said.

During the exercise, a variety of senior military and governmental leaders from many of the participating countries visited Amari to view the operations, including Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, commanding general of the U.S. Army Europe. During his visit to Amari, Hertling spoke to Estonian military while flanked by the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, Michael C. Polt, and Col. Indrek Sirel, commander of the Estonian Army.

"The U.S. government is committed to maintaining a strong operational presence in Europe," the general said during his June 12 visit. "This exercise is an example of that commitment."

As part of the Saber Strike 2012 exercise, the Michigan Air National Guard's 127th Wing working in partnership with the Estonia Air Force to help the Estonians gain expertise and operational experience at the air base, which was used by the military of the Soviet Union when Estonia was under Soviet control during the Cold War era, 1944-1991. In 1994, the last Soviet troops left Estonia and the Amari Air Base and the air field fell into disrepair for several years.The Amari base was re-established under Estonian control in 1997. In 2006, an agreement was reached to begin to prepare the base to support NATO operations. Construction began in 2008 and local operations have been going on for several years. Timofejev said Saber Strike is by far the largest operation to happen to date at Amari.

"Life starts at this airfield now with this major deployment," Timofejev said. "Each aircraft that came in here was the largest ever at this base, first C-130, then the tanker and of course the C-17."

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed at Amari to provide logistical support to the air operations at Amari.

The Michigan A-10s are not only the first-ever A-10s to land at the base, but are the first operational fighter aircraft from a NATO country, Timofejev said.

"This is a great opportunity for my folks to learn to run base operations," the base commander said. "I have a few people who have experience and expertise, but many of my folks are brand new. We don't even know what we don't know."

Lt. Col. William Henderson, a 127th Wing pilot who is serving as the Michigan detachment commander at Amari, said the Estonians opened their arms to welcome his American Airmen.

"They worked the relationships within their own government to build the higher-level partnership and then have been very accomodating to us to work at the Airman-to-Airman level," Henderson said.

"They have created a facility here where, tactically speaking, a unit can come in and very quickly be able to begin flying missions," he said.

Saber Strike is a U.S. Army Europe-led theater security cooperation exercise conducted in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The exercise focuses on command and control, as well as interoperability with regional partners. The Michigan National Guard has been in a State Partnership Program with the military of Latvia for the past 20 years. Saber Strike represents the first time that most of the Michigan Citizen-Airmen from the 127th Wing have been to Estonia.

"I believe this exercise is the beginning of a very positive new relationship between Michigan and Estonia and helps us to strengthen our partnership with Latvia," Henderson said.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Michigan Air National Guard Airmen and Estonian Air Force Airmen pose for a group photo on the ramp at Amari Air Base, Estonia. The Michigan Air National Guard and Estonian Air Force trained together during the June 2012 Saber Strike exercise which took place in Estonia and Latvia. (Air National Guard Photo by SSgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker hooks up with an A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft for an aerial refueling near the border between Latvia and Estonia, June 12, in support of Exercise Saber Strike 2012. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen deployed to Estonia in mid June for the Exercise, which is a multinational exercise based in Latvia and Estonia that promotes trust and interoperability among participating nations. (Air National Guard Photo by SSgt Rachel Barton)

Airmen from three air forces talk about the functions of the A-10 Thunderbolt II at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 13, 2012. U.S. Master Sgt. Mike Staffeld, a Michigan Air National Guard crew chief, talks about the aircraft while Airmen from Estonia and Latvia listen. The Airmen were working together during Saber Strike 2012, a multinational exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)Hi-res

Michigan Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Mike Rygwelski and Estonia Air Force Sgt. Allar Siiroja listen as Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Schrader talks about fire department response to an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during a familiarization visit to the aircraft at the Amaria Air Base in Estonia, June 11, 2012. Michigan Air National Guard airmen deployed in mid-June 2012 in support of the Saber Strike Exercise, a multinational exercise based in Latvia and Estonia. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)Hi-res

Monday, June 18, 2012

6/12/2012 - Civilian contractors perform upgrades to the A-10 Thunderbolt II sun shades June 12, 2012. The sun shades provide protection from the elements for the aircraft and the maintainers. The A-10s are assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston)Hi-res

6/12/2012 - Civilian contractors perform upgrades to the A-10 Thunderbolt II sun shades June 12, 2012. The sun shades provide protection from the elements for the aircraft and the maintainers. The A-10s are assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston)Hi-res

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

6/11/2012 - Dutch photojournalist Piet Luijken photographs crew chiefs at the last chance check area going over an A-10 Thunderbolt II again before it launches as the weapons are armed for the mission by weapons trained Airmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 5, 2012. Luijken, who is a freelance photojournalist, is writing an article featuring the rich history of the 47th Fighter Squadron, and the role that the A-10 Thunderbolt II played in recent conflicts. The article will be published in the aviation magazine "Scramble." (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

Dali Diaz, 442nd Fighter Wing secretary, takes a break from her busy work schedule. Diaz, who retires in December, has worked for the unit for almost 19 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Wright) Hi-res

6/4/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- If you're ever walking near the fighter wing headquarters building and hear the sound of keys typing, paperwork shuffling, and birthdays being celebrated -- all at the same time -- it's probably Dali Diaz hard at work.

Diaz, who is the secretary to Brig. Gen. Eric. S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander, has been a beacon of warmth, caring and professionalism here for nearly 19 years.

She began her journey in Puerto Rico, where she worked for the Puerto Rican government as an administrative assistant. Upon coming to America, she worked in a similar capacity for NASA, and then in Germany at the United States Air Forces in Europe headquarters.

After 11 years in Germany, Diaz and her family moved to Kansas City, Mo., where her then-husband was stationed. In July 1993, she began working as an administrator with the 442nd Maintenance Group, moving to the operations group after about six months then finally to the fighter wing in July 1994.

Diaz, now with two grown children and three grandchildren, has worked hard over the course of her career.

"She's an outstanding person," he said. "She keeps us focused on the mission and what we have to do to serve 2,000 people."

He said having an experienced secretary like Diaz makes work go smoothly, citing her vast knowledge of Air Force regulations and procedures.

Being a secretary to a brigadier general can be hectic, but Diaz uses her organizational skills to get the job done.

"You just do one thing at a time," she said. "You have to take care of priorities and the boss first. If you have too much for one day, you either stay late or come in early the next day."

Diaz said hard deadlines can be the major difference between the civilian and military employers for which she has worked.

"We have to do the work and cannot put it aside," she said. "We've gotten more (geographically separated units), but the office has not been assigned any new administrative assistants. We get more phone calls and more paperwork, but we still have the same people."

Diaz said she has persevered, nevertheless, and gets a sense of accomplishment from completing tasks.

"It's satisfying to know we meet the challenge and everything works out OK," she said.

Administrative duties may be Diaz's forte, but that's not all. She truly excels in making everyone feel like family.

"I love to celebrate birthdays and promotions for people," she said. "Those are accomplishments, and they make the workplace feel like a family place."

Rose Hartsock, 442nd Recruiting Office receptionist, has worked with Diaz for the last 11 years. Hartsock said Diaz's warmth and kind demeanor are known throughout the unit.

Hartsock said Diaz often brings in birthday cakes for co-workers -- showing her dedication to celebrating each person's accomplishments.

Diaz, who is scheduled to retire in December, says she has no intention of slowing down. She said she plans to return home to Puerto Rico to help her parents, stay active in her church and help young people to read and learn English.

"The community always needs leaders," she said. "There is always something to do."

Yersak said when Diaz retires, it will be difficult to find someone of her caliber.

"It's going to be tough, both personally and professionally," he said. "She knows so much, and that experience level will be hard to fill."

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

On their official public website, 127th Wing Public Affairs released the following pictures:

Launching the jet: A1C Zachary Skelton, a 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshalls an A-10 Thunderbolt II from a sun shelter at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 10, 2012, for the final launch of the drill weekend. Flight operations were at a minimum during the June drill due to many 127th Wing members being deployed in support of Saber Strike 12 to Estonia. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Rob Hanet)Hi-res

Flight checks: A1C Zachary Skelton, crew chief with the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, checks flight control movements and trim checks during flight operations on June 10, 2012, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. Trim checks are conducted by the crew chief and pilot prior to an A-10 Thunderbolt II take off. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa)Hi-res

Taxi movement: A1C Zachary Skelton, crew chief with the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshalls out an A-10 Thunderbolt II to the flight line during flight operations on June 10, 2012, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. A1C Skelton is giving the final signal for the A-10 pilot to taxi to the flight line after all safety checks have been made. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. David Kujawa)Hi-res

Estonian 1st Lt. Svetlana Puustusmaa and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Broughton, a member of the Michigan Air National Guard, look over some weather maps in the Base Operations Center at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 10, 2012. The two Airmen are working together as part of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. The exercise, which features military forces from eight nations, are designed to help build partnerships in the Baltic region. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton) Hi-res

6/10/2012 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- It should be pretty out right now, Staff Sgt. John Broughton says, pointing toward the window with his chin.

Broughton, an Air Force weather forecaster, is in charge of determining how much "blue" there will be in the Wild Blue Yonder on any given day. This week and next, he's on the job in Estonia, forecasting the weather in support of part of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia.

Broughton is a member of the 107th Fighter Squadron of the Michigan Air National Guard, which is home-stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, not far from Detroit. As a traditional member of the Air National Guard, he works as a banker in the civilian sector and then dons Air Force Blue one weekend per month and then for a couple of weeks of active duty every year - or more often if the call comes down from headquarters.

"I've always been passionate about the weather - the scientific end of it and the teaching end," Broughton said. "The biggest challenge is the inexactness of it all and trying to cut through that and provide an accurate forecast."

Broughton's job is to provide the weather forecast for the Michigan aircraft operating from the Amari Air Base in Estonia during Saber Strike. Typically, his forecasts are just used by the A-10 squadron, but for the exercise, he's providing support to both the A-10s and the KC-135s.

The Michigan Air National Guard is contributing about 150 Airmen and two different types of aircraft - the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker - to the exercise, which is designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen international military partnering and fostering trust while improving interoperability between participating nations. A total of eight nations are participating in the exercise. During the exercise, Broughton worked closely with 1st Lt. Svetlana Puustusmaa, who works at the operations center at the Amari Air Base. Part of her job is to provide local weather condition information to the Estonian military.

"This is a partnership-building exercise," said Lt. Col. Bill Henderson, a Michigan Air National Guard KC-135 pilot who is serving as the Michigan detachment commander at Amari. "Our Airmen are working directly with their Estonian counterparts, building partnership at the person-to-person level."

That means Broughton and Puustusmaa are working together on taking local weather observations and and providing weather reports to pilots in the exercise.

"In Estonia, you have several different weather systems coming in to play," Broughton said, after comparing notes with Puustusmaa. "In this part of the North Atlantic you are at the receiving end of the gulf stream, with heavy influences in the weather from western Asia and the western plains of Russia, as well as the Arctic Circle."

Broughton spent about 10 years on active duty in the Air Force, then was out of the Air Force for a dozen years before he re-joined the Michigan Air National Guard about seven years ago.

"My only regret is that I didn't get into the Guard right after I left active duty," he said.

Since he first started in the Air Force weather forecasting business in 1986, Broughton said the technology has changed dramatically.

"The evolution of doppler radar, color graphics and remarkably better satellite capabilities have really improved the product we are able to provide to our pilots and flight crews," Broughton said.

In addition to their news article "Michigan Jets Land in Estonia" (including four photos), 127th Wing Public Affairs released three more related shots in their official website's photo section:

Jets in Estonia: A group of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are parked on the ramp at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 9, 2012. The aircraft, flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, are in Estonia in support of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

Maintenance in Estonia: Senior Amn. Joseph Mack, a maintainer for the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., retrieves an electronic technical order while Master Sgt. Mike Earley, also from the 127th AMXS, fastens an ejector rack to an A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron, Selfridge, while deployed to Amari Air Base, Estonia. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen deployed in mid June, 2012 in support of the Saber Strike, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

Maintenance in Estonia: Master Sgt. Mike Earley, a maintainer for the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., fastens an ejector rack to an A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron, Selfridge, while deployed to Amari Air Base, Estonia. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen deployed in mid June, 2012 in support of the Saber Strike Exercise, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

The final U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft of a four-ship formation taxies in at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 8, 2012. The aircraft, flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, are believed to be the first A-10s to ever land in Estonia. The aircraft and their Airmen were in Estonia to participate in Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (National Guard photo by SSgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

Note: Pictured from front are A-10Cs 265, 81-0998, 81-0994, and probably 81-0975. Full serial number info will be updated soon.

6/10/2012 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- The Michigan Air National Guard has landed in Estonia.

Operating as part of Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia, the Michigan ANG has landed KC-135 Stratotanker and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Amari Air Base, Estonia. It is believed to be the first time that A-10s have landed in Estonia.

"We are eager to begin working with our Estonian partners and to build upon the existing partnership between our two nations," said Lt. Col. Emmanuel Saridakis, commander of the 107th Fighter Squadron, which flies the A-10s, home-based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. "The capabilities that the A-10 can bring to bear represent an important asset in any operation or exercise."

The A-10 is a close air support aircraft and will be operating over both Estonia and Latvia as part of the exercise. The KC-135 is an aerial refueling platform. Both aircraft are able to support a variety of types of missions, depending on the needs of local commanders.

Saber Strike 2012 involves approximately 2,000 personnel from eight countries. Saber Strike is part of an ongoing cooperative training effort primarily focused on the three nations of the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. This exercise prepares participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, integrated environment with host-nation support from civil and governmental agencies. In addition to the U.S. Army Europe, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, other participants include: Canada, Finland, France and the UK.

About 150 Michigan ANG personnel, primarily from the 127th Wing at Selfridge, but including some Airmen from all four of the principal ANG facilities in Michigan, are on the ground in Estonia - with a few in neighboring Latvia - to support the exercise.

"The cooperation that we have enjoyed with the Estonian Air Force has been outstanding," said Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Barriger, one of the senior enlisted members of the Michigan contingent. "This mission is all about building partnerships between our nations and I am seeing that happen right now on the ground as individuals in the different uniforms get to know one another."

Barriger said that Michigan Airmen and Estonian Airmen are working directly together, according to their military job classification, known as "Air Force Speciality Code," or AFSC, in the U.S. Air Force.

"Our transportation people are working with their transportation people, medical with medical and so on, " he said. "That's where the relationships are really built."

Easing the transition process for the Michigan Airmen is the similarity of the Amari base with the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in northern Michigan.

"The facilities here in Amari are excellent," Barriger said. "That plus the landscape and climate remind me very much of northern Michigan."

A formation of U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft fly over Amari Air Base, Estonia, prior to landing, June 8, 2012. The aircraft, flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, are believed to be the first A-10s to ever land in Estonia. The aircraft and their Airmen were in Estonia to participate in Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (National Guard photo by SSgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

Airmen from the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, disembark from a C-17 Globemaster at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 8, 2012. The C-17 was delivering cargo and Air Force personnel to Estonia to participate in Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (National Guard photo by TSgt. Dan Heaton)Hi-res

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster prepares to land at Amari Air Base, Estonia, June 8, 2012. The C-17 was delivering cargo and Air Force personnel to Estonia to participate in Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (National Guard photo by SSgt. Rachel Barton)Hi-res

Monday, June 11, 2012

By 127th Wing Public AffairsAirmen from the 127th Wing reload cargo placed in individual shipping units (ISUs) from a C-130 to a KC-135 to ship to Estonia on June 8, 2012, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. The cargo equipment is headed to Saber Strike 12, a US Army European command-led theater security cooperation exercise conducted in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). The plane swap led to repacking the cargo into ISUs of a smaller size. (USAF photo by John S. Swanson)Hi-res

6/8/2012 - Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. -- Airmen from many 127th Wing squadrons reloaded cargo placed in individual shipping units (ISUs) from a C-130 Hercules to a KC-135 Stratotanker to ship to Estonia on June 8, 2012. The cargo equipment is headed to Saber Strike 12, a US Army European command-led theater security cooperation exercise being conducted in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania).

The cargo was originally to deploy aboard a C-130, but when the cargo plane from out of town had maintenance issues that could not be solved immediately at Selfridge, the 127th Air Refueling Group was able to short-notice prepare a KC-135 and flight crew to get the cargo to the exercise. The plane swap led to repacking the cargo into ISUs of a smaller size.

The 127th Wing has approximately 150 personnel and both KC-135s and A-10s already in place for the two-week exercise.

Friday, June 8, 2012

An engine nacelle of an A-10 Thunderbolt that was hit by a missile in 2003 during the opening stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom was moved from the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base to the Kalamazoo Air Museum on Wednesday, May 24. (Gazette photo by Katie Selden)

PORTAGE, MI – The Air Zoo in Portage is the new home for a unique military artifact.

An engine nacelle from an A-10 Thunderbolt that was damaged by a missile during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 was transported from the Air National Guard Base in Battle Creek to the Air Zoo on Wednesday.

An engine nacelle, or cowling, is an enclosure that houses the engine. The 110th Airlift Wing, based in Battle Creek, operated the aircraft when it was damaged.

Maj. Gary "Wolfman" Wolf was piloting the plane on April 8, 2003 when it took off from Kuwait to support troops as they approached Baghdad. The aircraft was providing low-altitude overhead reconnaissance when it was struck in the right engine by an enemy surface-to-air missile, according to a press release.

"Although the initial impact was substantial, the aircraft never departed controlled flight," Wolf said in a press release. "This is a true testament to the combat survivability of the A-10."

Despite extensive damage, Wolf was able to pilot the aircraft 120 miles to safety. The engine and nacelle were replaced and the aircraft was put back into action. The damaged nacelle was flown back to Battle Creek, according to the release.

Ronald Wilson, 110th Vice Commander, led a maintenance team in the restoration efforts and assembly of the cowling for display. "The cowling was destined for the scrap pile," Wilson said. "We had been out of the A-10 business for some time. When I approached our maintenance folks to see if there was any possibility to save this historical piece of our heritage, they jumped right in."

Please note: I've found this very interesting news article about A-10 80-0258 by trying Google for A-10 just today. Info and photos are very important for the A-10 history books. Over the weekend, I will upload a lot of related pictures and some background info. And by trying Google again, I was totally surprised by the following picture, formerly unknown to me:

A-10 80-0258 lands after being struck by an Iraqi missile during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photo by Leigh'77 via Oceanic Wing, released on July 15, 2011, 01:40:44 AM)Full size

Update May 9, 2012:
Damn!!! According to one of the comments (please read it for details), this "landig shot" is part of a computer simulation! And that's the reason why I didn't know this "picture". Last night, I had my own doubts about the "pilot" - so lifeless and not wearing a desert flight suite...

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

6/6/2012 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD, Mich. -- Approximately 150 Citizen-Airmen of the Michigan Air National Guard are deploying to Estonia for two weeks to support Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise this month in Estonia and Latvia. The deployment will include A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from Selfridge Air National Guard Base and personnel from the 127th Wing at Selfridge, the 110th Airlift Wing in Battle Creek, the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena and Michigan Joint Forces Headquarters in Lansing. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, strengthens international military partnering and fosters trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.

The exercise is taking place in mid-June.

"In this exercise, we will not only be integrating and working closely with the U.S. Army, but also working alongside our allies in Estonia, Latvia and several other European nations," said Col. Michael Thomas, the 127th Wing commander at Selfridge. "This exercise is also somewhat unique for us in that it integrates personnel from every portion of the Michigan Air National Guard and two different types of aircraft."

Saber Strike 2012 involves approximately 2,000 personnel from eight countries. This, the second year of the Saber Strike exercise program, is part of an ongoing cooperative training effort primarily focused on the three nations of the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. This exercise prepares participants to operate successfully in a joint, multinational, integrated environment with host-nation support from civil and governmental agencies. In addition to the U.S. Army Europe, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, other participants include: Canada, Finland, France and the UK.

The Michigan Air National Guard will be providing close-air-support to the operation via the A-10 and will provide aerial refueling capabilities to the overall exercise via the KC-135. Both types of aircraft are in high demand by theater commanders around the world and 127th Wing personnel have deployed with both types of aircraft to Afghanistan and surrounding areas during 2012.

"An added benefit to participating in this operation is the opportunity to further strengthen Michigan's long-standing partnership with the people of Latvia," Thomas said.

The Latvian military and the Michigan National Guard are partners in the State Partnership for Peace program. This year marks the 20th anniversary of that partnership. The SPP was established to help former Eastern Bloc countries transition to democracy following the collapse of the Soviet Union by linking the National Guard forces of several states with the militaries of those countries. The program has since been expanded to other parts of the world and includes more than 60 partnerships between state National Guards and foreign militaries. Michigan recently added a second partnership with Liberia in Africa.

The 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard is comprised of approximately 1,700 Citizen-Airmen assigned to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in metropolitan Detroit. The 127th provides highly skilled Airmen in support of Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Special Operations Command. The Wing flies the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling aircraft that gives the Air Force global reach, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a close-air-support attack aircraft more popularly known as the Warthog.

Note: This deployment or TDY is really a big surprise for me. And so I hope, some of my Warthog News contributors from Portugal will get the opportunity to catch the "Hogs" during their stopovers at Lajes Field, Azores. Maybe they will be escorted by some of their own tankers.

6/5/2012 - Italian air force Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron exchange pilot, conducts a pre-flight check on an A-10C Thunderbolt II May 31, 2012, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. De Guida has been at Moody since 2009 and is the first Italian to fly the A-10. In Italy, he flies the AMX, a ground attack aircraft with similar functions to the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter)Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0967 from the 74th Fighter Squadron. Visible at right is the tail of A-10C 81-0990, also from the 74th FS. Unfortunately, this photo is'nt sharp...

6/5/2012 - Italian air force Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron exchange pilot, leaves the flightline after a training May 31, 2012, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Last year, De Guida went on a six-month deployment to Afghanistan with the 74th FS where he flew more than 120 sorties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter)Hi-res

6/5/2012 - Italian air force Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, 74th Fighter Squadron exchange pilot, shares a laugh with U.S. Air Force Maj. Ben Rudolphi, 23d Fighter Group chief of weapon tactics, while making their way to the flightline May 31, 2012, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. De Guida is serving a three-year tour at Moody which started in September of 2009. The exchange program allows U.S. and Italian pilots to share knowledge and become familiar with each other, preparing them for possibly joint-deployment operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter)Hi-res

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

In effort to return to the Flying Tiger history, Moody reinstates the emblem originally used in 1957. The patch that reads 23d Wing at the bottom will no longer be used. With the new emblem the Flying Tiger legacy continues at Moody. (contributed graphic)Hi-res

6/5/2012 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Department of the Army Institute of Heraldry recently approved the new rendition of the 23d Wing historical emblem.

In an effort to return to the Flying Tiger history and continue a proud legacy, the new patch reinstates the emblem originally used in 1957.

The bottom of the new patch now reads Flying Tigers instead of 23rd Wing. The purpose of this change is to signify the return to the Flying Tigers historical roots and to identify Moody as the home of the Flying Tigers.

The history of the Flying Tigers can be traced back to 1941 during World War II when Lt. Gen. Clarie L. Chennault was recalled to active duty and placed at the head of the China Air Task Force (CATF). The 23rd Fighter Group, a component of the CATF, was assigned three squadrons: the 74th, 75th and the 76th. The group inherited the mission of the disbanded American Volunteer Group, "Flying Tigers", and 29 of Chennault's crew became members of the 23rd Fighter group.

The group was deactivated after World War II and reactivated several times, flying different types of aircraft in different locations, before it was reactivated as the 23d Wing at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. on June 1, 1992. In April 1997, the wing became a fighter group flying only A-10C's.

In 2007, the 23d Fighter Group moved from Pope AFB to Moody AFB where the Flying Tiger legacy continues.

Since its move, the 74th and 75th Fighter squadrons deployed to Afghanistan in support of the Operation ENDURING FREEDOM logging more than 23,000 combined combat hours.

The Flying Tiger legacy lives on at Moody Air Force base, and with this new emblem, a chapter in American aviation heritage continues.

6/5/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Col. Chris Weggeman, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, stands at attendion while his wife, Ann, and parents, Peter and Judy, pin on his new rank during a ceremonial pin-on at the Club Eifel ballroom here June 1. Airmen, family and friends attended the ceremony to celebrate Weggeman's promotion to the rank of brigadier general, which is effective June 5. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)Hi-res

SWEDISH AIR SPACE -- Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, call signs Growler 11 and 12 from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, fly in formation in Swedish air space behind a 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker after receiving fuel during the Baltic Region Training Event XII May 30, 2012. BRTE XII was a NATO exercise that included support from several countries including the United States, France, Estonia and Latvia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Trower)Hi-res

The U.S. Air Force aircraft participated in the Baltic Region Training Event XII with French Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft, Estonian L-39 jets, a Latvian M-17 helicopter and a Polish MiG-29.

The purpose of the event was to provide training opportunities to NATO's forward air controllers and air policing assets through close air support, air-to-ground support, air-to-air refueling and quick reaction alert intercept training.

"This exercise gave us the opportunity to put together different training aspects into one sortie," said Capt. Brent Fleming, 81st FS pilot. "Occasionally we'll fly and we'll air refuel from point a to point b. This mission tied together ferrying aircraft and employing tactically while under the constraints of a longer time on station and a seven hour flight, and still being able to do our mission of air-to-ground to and from the target area."

The A-10s stationed here participated in the event to uphold the standard of joint close air support procedures, tactics and operations to ensure all aircraft and ground support involved can communicate seamlessly. This is especially important for the nations involved in BRTE XII as they regularly support one another in deployed locations, Fleming said.

The KC-135 crew stationed out of Royal Air Force Mildenhall kept the mission going as they performed in-flight refuelling for the Mirage 2000 and the A-10. This also gave the aircraft crews the opportunity to practice air-to-air refuelling manuevers.

"It was great to have the KC-135 show the lengths the Air Force can reach and how quickly we can reach them," Fleming said. "In four hours, we were half way across Europe employing weapons."

The A-10s also helped the Polish MiG-29 hone in on its NATO air policing mission at the Lithuanian Air Base Šiauliai through special quick reaction alert intercept training and touch-and-go air manuevers.

"We take away a lot of practical benefit from BRTE XII," said Lithuanian Lt. Col. Leszek Błach, Polish Military Contingent commander. "With the touch-and-go we showed our presence in the Baltic region."

For Fleming, participating with five nations to ensure peace and stability throughout the region and deployed locations was unforgettable. Fleming said there were some weather issues, but they were able to employ and provide low-altitude CAS.

"This is the first time we've employed in Latvia," Felming said. "We've gone to Finland and Poland for airshows, but we've never flown there tactically. It was good to show them what we could do besides just being at an airshow."

Lt. Col. John Liller, 81st FS pilot, who led the A-10 two-ship, shared his sentiments about meeting the mission objectives.

"This was an experience of a lifetime to fly the A-10 Thunderbolt II to the Baltic Region and conduct intercepts with Polish MiG-29s," Liller said. "Our objective was to fully integrate A-10 tactics, techniques, and procedures with ground assets and bolster bonds of cooperation for future exercises. This could not have been done without the support from the men and women of the 52nd Fighter Wing, the KC-135 from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, and the outstanding job by the NATO forward air controllers executing joint close air support procedures."

SWEDISH AIR SPACE -- A 52nd Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolt II from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, flies off the wing of a 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall, England, during Baltic Region Training Event XII, a multinational NATO exercise, May 30, 2012. BRTE XII included support from several countries including the United States, France, Estonia and Latvia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Trower)Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0962 from the 81st Fighter Squadron.

SWEDISH AIR SPACE -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, approaches an RAF Mildenhall KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling during Baltic Region Training Event XII May 30, 2012. The NATO exercise included support from several countries including the United States, France, Estonia and Latvia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Trower)Hi-res

GERMANY – An A-10 Thunderbolt II, based out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, based out of RAF Mildenhall, England, in the skies over Germany May 30, 2012. The A-10 participated in the NATO and partner air forces' Baltic Region Training Event XII, a two-day exercise that started May 29, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.